Queensland e-bike licensing laws could hit delivery services and shared e-vehicle schemes, industry warns

Lead

Proposed Queensland legislation aimed at improving e-mobility safety is facing intense opposition from food delivery companies, shared e-vehicle operators, and disability advocates, who warn of significant disruptions to services and accessibility.

The state government's planned reforms would impose a 16-year age limit on e-bikes and e-scooters, require riders to hold a valid driver's licence, and implement a 10km/h speed limit on footpaths and almost all cycle lanes, according to reports from ABC Australia and The Guardian. The changes come in response to a parliamentary inquiry after a series of fatalities, with 12 e-mobility-related deaths recorded in Queensland in 2025 and a road toll 24.2% higher than the same time last year, as reported by ABC News.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting from ABC Australia and The Guardian broadly aligns on the core provisions of the proposed laws, but each outlet emphasizes different stakeholders' concerns. One ABC article focuses on the potential impact on shared e-scooter schemes, quoting Neuron's general manager estimating a 50% drop in users. A second ABC piece highlights Uber Eats' and DoorDash's warnings about delivery rider exclusions. The Guardian's coverage similarly underscores delivery service impacts but also amplifies broader industry backlash, including tourism and disability community concerns.

Key Claims

Licensing Requirement and Delivery Riders

Uber Eats warned that the licensing mandate could have an "immense" impact on its delivery riders, noting that 89% of its two-wheel delivery drivers signed up using an international passport and may not hold a valid Australian driver's licence. In a submission to a parliamentary inquiry, Uber stated that without these riders, close to 10,000 Queensland merchants relying on its network could face operational challenges, leading to longer delivery times and reduced reliability.

DoorDash echoed these concerns, stating the licence requirement would create a "disproportionate and unnecessary barrier to participation in delivery work" and could deter riders without delivering commensurate safety benefits. The company warned of ripple effects on on-demand delivery availability.

The cost of obtaining a learner licence in Queensland—$77.55 for a three-year permit plus $28.70 for the PrepL course, totaling $106.25—was cited by Uber as a material financial barrier, especially for those seeking flexible income during cost-of-living pressures.

Shared E-Vehicle Schemes at Risk

Neuron's general manager, Jayden Bryant, told a parliamentary committee that proposed verification processes for international visitors would severely reduce usage. "I'm estimating that it will be a 50% drop in our users," he said, adding that it puts the company's presence in the state "at risk." Lime's Asia-Pacific head, William Peters, noted that one in three bike share users in Brisbane are tourists, and many, such as half of Chinese adults and a quarter of English adults, do not hold driver's licences.

In a joint submission to the inquiry, Lime and Neuron warned that the laws, without amendment, "could see the end of services in all Queensland cities" and make their operations uninsurable.

Disability and Tourism Impacts

Disability advocates raised concerns that many people with disabilities rely on e-scooters and e-bikes because they cannot drive a car. The Queensland Tourism Industry Council warned that international visitors, who may not have a valid Australian licence, could be deterred from using e-mobility devices, impacting tourism.

Perspectives

The Queensland Government has framed the proposed laws as necessary safety measures following a series of deaths and injuries. However, industry stakeholders argue that the reforms may not effectively target the main safety concerns. Some experts have urged the government to focus on illegal e-bikes rather than compliant e-mobility devices, suggesting that the proposed rules could penalize responsible users while failing to address root causes of accidents.

Community backlash has been substantial, with more than 2,000 submissions to the parliamentary inquiry from cycling and disability groups, road safety advocates, and transport engineering professionals. Brisbane City Council and Gold Coast City Council have also expressed specific objections: Brisbane over the age restriction, and Gold Coast over the proposed speed limits.

As the parliamentary inquiry continues, stakeholders are calling for amendments to balance safety goals with the needs of delivery riders, tourists, and people with disabilities. The final shape of the legislation remains uncertain.